2/1/25 : Spotlight - RHP Aaron Combs
- Steve Potter
- Feb 1
- 4 min read
RHP Aaron Combs was acquired by the Phillies from the White Sox on 1/1/25 in exchange for LHP Tyler Gilbert. He was Chicago’s 8th round draft selection in the 2024 draft from the University of Tennessee. In two collegiate seasons at Tennessee he appeared in 50 games (66.2 IP) posting a 3.24 ERA with 105 K’s and 30 walks. Prior to his time at Knoxville he pitched one season for the College of Central Florida where he was a starting pitcher that helped lead the team to a 47-17 record and a trip to the 2022 NJCAA Division I Junior College World Series.
Aaron grew up in Sarasota, Florida and played High School baseball at two prestigious programs, the Inspiration Academy and IMG. He transferred to IMG for his senior year. He played club baseball for FTB-Gulf Coast, FTB-Tucci and Beast Mode Prime. I asked Aaron if he ever had time to watch any major league spring training games and he said he never did because most of the time he was playing in games himself.
In his last appearance at Tennessee he recorded the final out to clinch the 2024 NCAA championship. It was the first National Baseball championship in the history of the program. After being drafted by the White Sox he appeared in six games with their Low A affiliate recording a 0.00 ERA in 7.2 IP with 13 K’s and 4 walks.
He throws from a 3/4 arm slot and generally sits in the 91-94 mph range with his fastball. Reports are that he has an above average curveball.
Andrew is participating in Winter High Performance Camp at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater. I recently had a chance to ask him a few questions - here’s our interaction.
How did you find out about being traded from the White Sox to the Phillies? What was your initial reaction?
“I found out over the phone when someone from the White Sox called me and told me I would be heading to the Phillies. I was very surprised and was not expecting it at all, but once it settled in I was very excited to be part of the new organization.”
In high school you played at both Inspiration Academy and IMG? Compare the two programs and why did you switch over?
“They’re both great schools that taught me a lot in a lot of different ways. IMG just had some resources I felt I needed to give me the best chance at getting drafted and succeeding at the next level.”
You began your collegiate career at Coastal Carolina but redshirted due to injury - then transferred to the College of Central Florida where you helped the team to the Juco College World Series and then to Tennessee where last season you recorded the final out last season to help the Volunteers clinch its first National Championship in program history. Have you always been part of winning teams and how did it feel to win the NCAA title?
“For the most part I have been part of winning teams and those teams taught me a lot about how to be successful. I’ve also played on teams with losing records - it’s harder being part of a losing team but those teams also taught me along the way. Winning the national championship was just an unreal experience and I’m super happy to be able to do it with the team I did it with.”
What pitches do you feature?
“I throw a fastball, curveball, change up, and cutter.”
In your first six pro appearances last season you struck out 13 batters in 7.2 IP - when you face hitters is it your primary focus to post a strikeout?
“My primary focus is to not give up any runs and at the bottom line win the game. Strikeouts are a great way to get that done so it’s definitely a priority.”
What are your impressions thus far on the Phillies program? As a participant in HP camp did the White Sox have something similar when you were there?
“I’ve really enjoyed it and like the way the Phillies go about their business as a whole. The White Sox had similar camps but I wasn’t there long enough to experience a pre spring training camp.”
Lastly are you a goal setter and if so what expectations have you set for yourself for the 2025 season?
“My goal is to be as successful as possible at whatever level I am at and hopefully climb the ranks. I am just focusing on what I can control and I’m excited to play my first full year in pro ball.”
I thank Aaron for answering my inquiries. We wish him well this season and in years to come, I haven’t watched him in a bullpen yet but plan to in the near future - another quality arm in the mix - good stuff!
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Note : I've partnered with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.
Comments